Non-Public A championship preview: St. Peter's Prep has found roles for deep, talented roster

Coach Todd Decker will bring one of the deepest teams in the state down the Garden State Parkway today when St. Peter's Prep meets St. Joseph (Metuchen) in the NJSIAA Non-Public A state championship game in Toms River.

But the Marauders (26-4), ranked No. 8 in the Star-Ledger Top 20, began the year with so much talent -- too many options and lineup combinations -- it took the better part of the season for the team to truly take form. It wasn’t until late in the season that Prep figured out a way to get everyone involved.

“In the beginning of the year, there weren’t enough minutes, enough shots or enough playing time to be fair to the 11 guys we have because they’re that talented,” Decker said of his team, which lost to the Falcons in last year’s championship game. “They responded though, sacrificed for the team and put in the hard work to get us here.

“We’re not 26-4 unless these six seniors and these talented underclassmen are all on the same page.”

The Marauders will look to avenge last year's 57-47 loss and win its first state title since 1959. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.

“I think we have 11 guys who could start for most teams in the state,” Decker said. “Every player we put out on the floor is a threat offensively. They can all shoot the three and they can all put the ball on the deck and get to the hole.”

“Our floor balance will be very key because Karl Towns does a great job of seeing down the floor and throwing outlet passes,” said Decker. “We have to try and take that away and make sure we have guys back at all times.

“Our game plan tomorrow will be to keep them out of transition and make them take tough shots in the half court.”

After last year’s loss to St. Joseph, White admitted that there was “salt in the wound” for Prep, which was begging for a second crack at the Falcons. Now that the Marauders have their shot, Decker believes that White and the rest of his team can simply play their game and let the rest take care of itself.

“We have played in so many big games and on all different types of stages, but we’re the underdogs now,” said Decker. “They beat us last year and they’re the favorites, so we’re going there with nothing to lose.”